The AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian

[TheRustyScupper]

We visited the Floridian for lunch (Dec-23) and were dismayed at the negative changes.
The "Grand" Floridian is now The AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian.

1) The live orchestra on the balcony has been PERMANENTLY removed and disbanded.
. . . the bar area has expanded into the area previously used for the orchestra
. . . we were told this is not a COVID-thing, this is a cost-cutting-thing
2) The live pianist is now at the lobby alcove where the Concierge Desk was located.
. . . reductions in piano music are temporary, as we were told
. . . but, with the piano upfront, you can't see the the pianist while playing
. . . you hear the music, but without seeing the person, it could just be an MP3
. . . half of "live" music is seeing the musicians, and not simply hearing them
3) The Christmas decorations were there, but highly reduced.
. . . at locations such as Wilderness Lodge, there is little change in quality or quantity
. . . there are fewer guests, but the decorations are about the same as past
. . . at the AINT-SO-GRAND, I think we have more at our house than they have in the lobby
4) The Floridian has lost much of its charm and uniqueness.
. . . Holiday Inns near Disney now have more spirit and luxury than Floridian.
. . . No longer worth-the-bucks to stay there.

NOW:
Go to the restaurant reviews.
See our comments regarding the AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian Cafe.

 

[Darthbane2007]

At keast you went to Disney

 

[Cheburashka]

At keast you went to Disney

Thank you.

 

[mrsap]

We visited the Floridian for lunch (Dec-23) and were dismayed at the negative changes.
The "Grand" Floridian is now The AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian.

1) The live orchestra on the balcony has been PERMANENTLY removed and disbanded.
. . . the bar area has expanded into the area previously used for the orchestra
. . . we were told this is not a COVID-thing, this is a cost-cutting-thing
2) The live pianist is now at the lobby alcove where the Concierge Desk was located.
. . . reductions in piano music are temporary, as we were told
. . . but, with the piano upfront, you can't see the the pianist while playing
. . . you hear the music, but without seeing the person, it could just be an MP3
. . . half of "live" music is seeing the musicians, and not simply hearing them
3) The Christmas decorations were there, but highly reduced.
. . . at locations such as Wilderness Lodge, there is little change in quality or quantity
. . . there are fewer guests, but the decorations are about the same as past
. . . at the AINT-SO-GRAND, I think we have more at our house than they have in the lobby
4) The Floridian has lost much of its charm and uniqueness.
. . . Holiday Inns near Disney now have more spirit and luxury than Floridian.
. . . No longer worth-the-bucks to stay there.

NOW:
Go to the restaurant reviews.
See our comments regarding the AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian Cafe.

So you didn’t stay there, just visited for a meal?

 

[skeeter31]

None of that is new, it’s all been known for months now. The orchestra was let go in March. The pianist wasn’t even there for a while as he was playing in HS, so at least he’s back. Without the gingerbread house, the Christmas decorations will of course look less, but that’s due to COVID.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

So you didn’t stay there, just visited for a meal?

1) Correct.
. . . we usually visit WDW 2-3 times per month for lunch or dinner
2) This day we visted the Floridian mainly for lunch
. . . after eats, we went up to the Club Floor for a look-see
. . . concierge I know escorted us
. . . the offerings there were woefully lacking
. . . while walking around, she mentioned how ashamed they were
. . . they always took great pride in working at "The Grand"
. . . but, currently but regret it for the guest's sake
. . . she explained how even room appointments were showing wear

 

[skeeter31]

Keep in mind the Christmas decoration at GF are largely reliant on the gingerbread house, which can’t be built this year. WL is more reliant on the large tree, which went up easily.

 

[Farro]

I'm sorry, but have you been under a rock these past 9 months?

 

[mrsap]

1) Correct.
. . . we usually visit WDW 2-3 times per month for lunch or dinner
2) This day we visted the Floridian mainly for lunch
. . . after eats, we went up to the Club Floor for a look-see
. . . concierge I know escorted us
. . . the offerings there were woefully lacking
. . . while walking around, she mentioned how ashamed they were
. . . they always took great pride in working at "The Grand"
. . . but, currently but regret it for the guest's sake
. . . she explained how even room appointments were showing wear

Before writing to bash a resort, I’d recommend you stay there first and get the full experience. I was just there for 8 nights and had an AMAZING time. I thought the resort was just as GRAND without the Gingerbread house or orchestra. Do I miss said missing items as a GF regular, sure, but I do my research before heading over to a resort... and if you did research yourself, you’d know COVID had everything to do with why you’re complaining right now. Enjoy the local Holiday Inn... I’ll be happy to take your room.

 

[Disneylover99]

We visited the Floridian for lunch (Dec-23) and were dismayed at the negative changes.
The "Grand" Floridian is now The AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian.

1) The live orchestra on the balcony has been PERMANENTLY removed and disbanded.
. . . the bar area has expanded into the area previously used for the orchestra
. . . we were told this is not a COVID-thing, this is a cost-cutting-thing
2) The live pianist is now at the lobby alcove where the Concierge Desk was located.
. . . reductions in piano music are temporary, as we were told
. . . but, with the piano upfront, you can't see the the pianist while playing
. . . you hear the music, but without seeing the person, it could just be an MP3
. . . half of "live" music is seeing the musicians, and not simply hearing them
3) The Christmas decorations were there, but highly reduced.
. . . at locations such as Wilderness Lodge, there is little change in quality or quantity
. . . there are fewer guests, but the decorations are about the same as past
. . . at the AINT-SO-GRAND, I think we have more at our house than they have in the lobby
4) The Floridian has lost much of its charm and uniqueness.
. . . Holiday Inns near Disney now have more spirit and luxury than Floridian.
. . . No longer worth-the-bucks to stay there.

NOW:
Go to the restaurant reviews.
See our comments regarding the AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian Cafe.

You’re sad at the loss of the band. I get it. Though it was never a draw for me. I’m happy about an expanded bar area.

It’s just as nice at the GF to most people.
Hopefully, one day the magic will return for you.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

2) This day we visted the Floridian mainly for lunch
. . . after eats, we went up to the Club Floor for a look-see
. . . concierge I know escorted us
. . . the offerings there were woefully lacking
. . . while walking around, she mentioned how ashamed they were

There is no Club Service atm as far as I know. So the offerings "woefully lacking" isn't even possible.

Also, I call shenanigans on the CM telling you how ashamed they were at the situation, bc that's basically putting their job at risk to bad talk their employer to a guest.

This whole story reeks of "karenism."

 

[lanejudy]

we went up to the Club Floor for a look-see
. . . concierge I know escorted us
. . . the offerings there were woefully lacking

Um, someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but there are NO Club level offerings at this time - not at any WDW resort.

Oops, posted at the same time as PP

 

[Ninjagrrl]

Um, someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but there are NO Club level offerings at this time - not at any WDW resort.

You would be correct.

 

[MomOTwins]

Before writing to bash a resort, I’d recommend you stay there first and get the full experience. I was just there for 8 nights and had an AMAZING time. I thought the resort was just as GRAND without the Gingerbread house or orchestra. Do I miss said missing items as a GF regular, sure, but I do my research before heading over to a resort... and if you did research yourself, you’d know COVID had everything to do with why you’re complaining right now. Enjoy the local Holiday Inn... I’ll be happy to take your room.

Hear hear. We stayed there in October and it was heavenly. Even nicer than on our past trips, frankly, because the resort was so much more quiet. We thought the Enchanted Rose bar was beautiful and unique, with excellent drinks and food (and we literally were the only people there when we went, so we felt safe). The pools were so lovely, especially being so empty, and the grounds were perfectly maintained. Service everywhere was impeccable. And we were really able to just appreciate and soak in the grounds and the empty lobby details without it being overflowing with guests. I actually think Covid-19 makes it the PERFECT time to visit GF--really felt like a private retreat!

Did not think the cutbacks at the resort were meaningfully different than the cutbacks anywhere else right now, which are to be expected due to the lower attendance from Covid-19. A lot of entertainment is gone at World Showcase, but we still enjoyed it. Christmas decor is reduced everywhere, including the parks (no castle lights for example).

We had a 35% off discount, which I think is a fair reduction given the limited dining and amenities.

You say the glass is half empty, I say half full (with the Lavender Fog cocktail from Enchanted Rose!).

 

[Ninjagrrl]

Also, I was also recently at the GF before Christmas, and most of this is just crap.

The changes are due to Covid, 100%. The only difference i noticed as far as holiday decorations was the lack of the gingerbread house.

This and the other post about the GF Cafe are totally ridiculous pearl clutching baloney.

I mean, I like the GF just fine, but if you REALLY think it's so luxurious and high end, well... I don't know what to tell you.

 

[Minnie1222]

2) This day we visted the Floridian mainly for lunch
. . . after eats, we went up to the Club Floor for a look-see
. . . concierge I know escorted us
. . . the offerings there were woefully lacking

I just speed-dialed Signature Service less than 10 minutes ago. There is NO club offering at RPC or SL or anywhere at WDW since the re-opening.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

I just speed-dialed Signature Service less than 10 minutes ago. There is NO club offering at RPC or SL or anywhere at WDW since the re-opening.

Dollars to donuts OP ghosts out now that they've been caught in a flat out lie.

 

[Sarahslay]

We visited the Floridian for lunch (Dec-23) and were dismayed at the negative changes.
The "Grand" Floridian is now The AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian.

1) The live orchestra on the balcony has been PERMANENTLY removed and disbanded.
. . . the bar area has expanded into the area previously used for the orchestra
. . . we were told this is not a COVID-thing, this is a cost-cutting-thing
2) The live pianist is now at the lobby alcove where the Concierge Desk was located.
. . . reductions in piano music are temporary, as we were told
. . . but, with the piano upfront, you can't see the the pianist while playing
. . . you hear the music, but without seeing the person, it could just be an MP3
. . . half of "live" music is seeing the musicians, and not simply hearing them
3) The Christmas decorations were there, but highly reduced.
. . . at locations such as Wilderness Lodge, there is little change in quality or quantity
. . . there are fewer guests, but the decorations are about the same as past
. . . at the AINT-SO-GRAND, I think we have more at our house than they have in the lobby
4) The Floridian has lost much of its charm and uniqueness.
. . . Holiday Inns near Disney now have more spirit and luxury than Floridian.
. . . No longer worth-the-bucks to stay there.

NOW:
Go to the restaurant reviews.
See our comments regarding the AINT-SO-GRAND Floridian Cafe.

These are not new things, the bar extension happened pre-covid, and they announced the change in christmas decor (via no gingerbread house). The orchestra was announced, not new info at all, sadly, but if you went expecting any of those things I can see how you would be dismayed at the change. At least they have the pianist back, that's a recent addition, and I'm just glad to have that beautiful music back for now instead of the quiet that was.

 

[Sarahslay]

Also, no club offering, so yeah. There you go. Someone hasn't been paying attention.

 

[Farro]

I just speed-dialed Signature Service less than 10 minutes ago. There is NO club offering at RPC or SL or anywhere at WDW since the re-opening.

Well that would explain them being woefully lacking.